Month: September 2025

The Cost of Subscriptions

A study in 2025 found that 80% of U.S. adults had at least one subscription in the past year. On average, those with a subscription pay $90 per month or $1,080 per year. In the same study it was also found that on average a person spends more than $200 on unused subscriptions every year. Now $200 a year may not seem much, but when budgets are tight these expenses should not be overlooked.

Think about these popular subscriptions and memberships. Do you have any of these? Are they worth the cost to you? Are they wants or needs?

  • Streaming services- In the study 61% had at least one streaming service. Streaming services include Hulu, Disney +, Netflix, Paramount +, Amazon Prime Video and many, many more. These services have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Ask yourself these questions: how many steaming services do you have? Can you wait until a show comes out in a different format to watch? Is it possible to share an account? Can you cut down the number of streaming services? What is available for free?
  • Music- In the survey 33% of respondents had a music subscription. This would include things like Apple Music, Spotify, Satellite radio, and paying to be ad free (like Pandora or Spotify). How often do you use your music subscription? Do you need to be ad free?
  • Gym memberships- These accounted for 14% of memberships-how many times have you used your gym membership in the past year? When you do use it, what specifically are you using? Is it something you can do at home? Are you getting the most from your membership?
  • Meal kit services-HelloFresh and Blue Apron have become popular, accounting for 12% of subscriptions in the study. With these subscriptions consider if you can buy your own ingredients at the grocery store for less? Are you using the food included or does it go to waste?
  • Monthly subscription boxes- In the study 9% of people in the survey had at least one of these subscriptions or services. These subscriptions are for just about anything you can think of, beauty products, coffee, snacks, clothing, pet products, and beyond. But are the products you receive of value to you? Are you actually using the products sent to you? How much are you giving away or throwing away?

For certain members, be wary of introduction rates or rate hikes, 67% of people saw an increase in the cost of subscriptions and memberships over the past year. If you have a trail period or introduction rate set a reminder on a calendar or phone to cancel before the price increases or call to negotiate a lower price. In the study 48% of respondents forgot to cancel a free trial or subscription.

Be aware of automatic renewal. Sometimes this is as simple as a box that was checked when you first signed up for the membership or service. These can show up as monthly charges or all at once for a large charge once a year. It’s a good idea to set a reminder to catch these charges before they happen to unsubscribe/cancel or negotiate the same/better price for the next year.

In a time when people are trying to cut costs, especially when money is tight, taking a close look at all of your memberships and subscriptions and making some tough wants and needs decisions can help save you money in the long run and help you in keeping with your budget.

Written by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties, schlagheck.11@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Emma Horstman, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Paulding County, horstman.124@osu.edu

Tropical Taste with Local Roots

Closeup of a Pawpaw fruit on a tree branch with leaves

Today is National Pawpaw Day. The Pawpaw is a native fruit-bearing tree that might be in a forest near you. The fruit is the Pawpaw fruit, but you may have heard it called a “Kentucky Banana” or “Hillbilly Mango”. Despite being America’s Forgotten Fruit, it is a local food that many foodies are on the hunt for this time of year.

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) tree is a member of the mainly-tropical plant family, Annonaceae, and produces the largest edible fruit native to North America. This tree is native to 26 states and is predominantly in the Eastern United States. The tree grows primarily in forested areas and has been important and beloved for much of America’s history. The fruit was a major component of Native American and European settlers’ diets. The fruit also played an important role in the culture and local economy of Appalachia and surrounding regions for many years. However, interest waned after World War II when other imported fruits became more readily available. Despite the decrease in popularity, pawpaws are still a local favorite for many and are worth a try every September in Ohio. In fact, the Ohio Papaw Festival is held every year in Albany, OH. Let’s explore how to select, prepare, and store these fruits:

Selection:

Pawpaw fruits look like an elongated mango and will be 3 to 6 inches long when they mature – usually in September. When ripe, the skin of the fruit will be a light yellow-green color with black blotches much like a banana. When picking some fruit, you want to choose one that gives a little to the touch. The fruit will continue to ripen after picking, especially at room temperature. Fully ripe pawpaws will only last a few days at room temperature. Due to the short shelf-life, pawpaw fruit is rarely found in grocery stores, but you may find them at your local farmers’ markets.

Preparation & Storage:

Pawpaw fruits are very nutritious, rich in Vitamins C, B-6, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and thiamine, and contain minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Most enthusiasts agree that the best way to enjoy Pawpaws is to eat them raw when they are perfectly ripe. To eat raw, simply rinse the pawpaw in a cool stream of water, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds with a spoon or melon baller. Consume the custard like pulp only. The fruit skin and seeds should not be consumed as they can contain toxins. The fruit has a creamy texture with the flavor described as a combination of banana, mango, and pineapple. Fully ripe pawpaws can be kept for a week in the refrigerator. The pulp can be frozen and kept for up to 12 months and be used in the kitchen as you would bananas, pumpkins, and applesauce in almost any recipe.

Now that you know more about the Pawpaw, go and give it a try. Kentucky State University Extension has some great recipes to try. If you are interested in more about this plant and how to grow them in Ohio, check out this Ohioline fact sheet: Pawpaws: An Alternative Fruit Crop in the Midwest.

Written by: Aaron Fowler, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University, Greene County, fowler.440@osu.edu.

Reviewed by: Jessica Lowe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, lowe.495@osu.edu.

How to Age in Style

September is a time to think about something most adults would like to forget – getting older! September is Healthy Aging Month as well as Falls Prevention Awareness Week (this year it’s September 22-26). In the U.S., people are living longer than in previous years and may experience several changes to their minds and bodies as the years go by, both good and bad. It is possible to enjoy all the years of our lives in health, happiness, and vigor, but the key is to start healthy aging habits early in life.

What are some healthy aging habits?

A group of older adults standing together and smiling

Nutrition and Physical Activity

As we age, it’s important to eat a variety of foods from all five food groups, limiting our intake of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Concentrate on eating enough protein to maintain muscle mass and make sure you are eating food and beverages with calcium for strong bones. Sometimes as we age, we may lose some of our sense of thirst, so be sure to make time to keep yourself hydrated.

Don’t forget to exercise too! Regular physical activity can keep older adults strong and independent. Start the habit today of at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Financial Health

We also want to keep our finances healthy as we get older. It’s important to keep an eye on your budget at any age, but also consider the financial changes that could be coming your way in the future. Review your medical insurance plan each year for changes in your deductible and out-of-pocket coverage. Know what procedures and medications will be covered under your private insurance or Medicare. Also take time to review your estate with a professional so that you know how your money will one day be distributed to your heirs.

When you are out shopping, dining, or seeing sites, don’t be shy – ask about the senior discounts, if you qualify! This can help you save money to use for other experiences!

Social and Mental Well-being

With aging comes times of life transitions – moving to new homes, retirement, and the loss of loved ones. Making sure to keep socially active through these transition periods can have huge health benefits. Schedule regular times to visit with friends each week/month or take time to talk on the phone with one another. Talk to your neighbors as you are getting your mail, or take a class at your local library.

Keep up on regular hearing checks – hearing loss is a common reason people begin to socially isolate themselves as the loss of hearing makes it harder to keep up with conversations. Hearing aids are an easy fix to ensure you stay part of the discussion.

Lastly, don’t worry if you feel you are behind in beginning healthy aging habits – it is never too late to make a positive change in your lifestyle. As the saying goes, “the best day to start was yesterday, the second best day is today.”

Resources:

University of Minnesota Extension. https://extension.umn.edu/later-life-decision-making/healthy-aging

CDC, Healthy Aging at Any Age. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging/about/index.html

MyPlate, Older Adults. https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/older-adults

NCOA, Money Matters. https://www.ncoa.org/article/money-matters-top-10-budgeting-tips-for-older-adults/

Mayo Clinic. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/a-surprising-key-to-healthy-aging-strong-social-connections/

NCOA, Falls Prevention Awareness Week. https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/national-falls-prevention-resource-center/falls-prevention-awareness-week/

Written By: Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed By: Aaron Fowler, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County, fowler.440@osu.edu

Lighten your Footprint at the Grocery Store

Picture of packaged food at grocery store

I’ve been trying hard lately to “lesson my footprint” on this earth, by changing my behaviors so that they are more sustainable. I’m still finding it hard however, when I go to the grocery store and try to limit the amount wasteful food packaging within my shopping cart.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), containers and packaging make up over 23% of landfill waste, with food-related packaging being a major contributor. With concerns about our environment in mind, it’s hard to avoid purchasing food in boxes, bags, wrappers, or foil when at the grocery. While packaging can promote food safety and preserve food quality, much of it is designed for single use and ends up in landfills, oceans, or incinerators.

Fortunately, there are some steps to reduce our reliance on wasteful packaging.

Use your own reusable bags, containers, and produce sacks. Replacing single-use plastic bags with cloth or mesh alternatives can significantly reduce plastic waste. Americans use about 100 billion plastic bags annually, most of which are not recyclable and definitely not readily biodegradable.  Remember to keep the bags in your car, as it’s easy to forget them!

Limit purchases within the center aisles as these are often filled with ultra-processed foods wrapped in multiple layers of plastic and cardboard. By focusing on whole, fresh foods, shoppers can reduce both packaging waste and their intake of unhealthy processed items. Consider purchasing fresh options from farmers markets as well as most products are minimally packaged and might not use as much fossil fuel getting to market.

Buying in bulk reduces the ratio of packaging to product. For example, purchasing a large bag of rice or oats generates less waste than buying multiple smaller packages. Many stores also offer bulk bins for grains, nuts, and spices, allowing customers to bring their own refillable containers and avoid packaging altogether.

Unfortunately, packaging for many food items might be unavoidable. In these cases, try to choose materials that are more easily recycled or composted. Glass and metal are generally recyclable, while paper and cardboard are recyclable and also biodegradable. Most plastics and Styrofoam are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills or polluting waterways and harming wildlife.

We as consumers can become agents of change by voicing our preferences or influencing with our pocketbooks. Ask store managers to stock more bulk items or products with minimal packaging can help shift demand. Support businesses that encourage environmental practices. Stay informed about local recycling rules and participating in community clean-up efforts. Although policy and system change is essential to fully address the packaging crisis, collective individual action can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable and less wasteful food system.

Author: Dan Remley, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewer: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

Live Better Your Way: Small Steps Toward a Healthier Life

 

The Live Better Your Way campaign, part of the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP), encourages Ohioans to take simple, meaningful steps toward better health—on their own terms.

Using the Buckeye Leaf as a symbol of local pride, each leaf represents a key wellness message:

🥗 Fuel Your Day

Choose colorful, fresh foods and drink water first for thirst. Explore resources like MyPlate.gov, hydration tips, and local produce incentives.

👟 Move Your Way

Find small moments to stretch, walk, or play. Even short bursts of movement can make a big difference.

🧠 Recharge Your Mind

Make space for quiet, growth, and rest. Mindfulness, sleep habits, and personal development are key to mental wellness.

🤝 Connect with Your Community

Build support through neighbors, parks, libraries, and local services. Strong communities help individuals thrive.

✅ Take Action Today

Start small and make one change that fits your lifestyle:

  • Visit a farmers’ market
  • Take a short walk
  • Try a flavored water recipe
  • Unplug for a few minutes
  • Reach out to a friend or neighbor

Live Better Your Way is about making health personal, practical, and possible—right here in our Ohio communities.

Small Bodies, Big Challenge: Understanding Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, childhood and adolescent obesity have reached epidemic levels in the United States. Currently, about 17% of US children are presenting with obesity. This alarming statistic comes with the warning that childhood obesity can lead to unhealthy patterns young people carry with them throughout their lives. Parents and caregivers can help children maintain a healthy weight by following MyPlate guidelines and tips found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website. Here you can access  MyPlate Plan which can help families understand what and how much children one and over should be eating from designated food groups over the course of a day. MyPlate Plans are available in multiple languages and have been culturally adapted to reflect foods from ten distinct cultures.

Drinks Count Too

“The average 4-5 year old child consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day – which amounts to 65 pounds of added sugar a year. The majority of a child’s added sugar intake comes from fruit drinks, high-fat desserts, soft drinks and candy” (FIRST 5). Follow Potter the Otter for helpful tips on healthy eating and staying active. Parents and caregivers can help by reducing the number of sugary drinks offered, modeling healthy drink choices, and providing water first for thirst.

Physical Activity and Screen Time

Physical Activity also plays a significant role in children’s health. According to the CDC, “physical activity is good for children in many ways. Benefits include improved academic performance, brain health, muscular fitness, heart, and lung health, cardiometabolic health, long-term health, bone strength, and measures of healthy weight.

Children need 60 minutes of activity each day. The Move Your Way website offers suggestions for adults and children including an activity slider to keep you on track. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “a combination of high screen time (hours per day) and low physical activity (step count per day) was associated with overweight and obesity.” Looking for more fun ways to get your kid moving? Use the chart below from the American Heart Association to try a new activity with your child each day.

 

Family Meals are More Than Good Nutrition

Did you know eating as a family can improve your health? The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illicit drugs. The center compared teens who dined with families five or seven times a week with those who did so twice or less. Those who ate together more often were four times less likely to smoke, 2.5 times less likely to use marijuana, and half as likely to drink alcohol.

Are You Raising a Healthy, Active Child?

Take the interactive quiz and get tips from The American Academy of Pediatrics. Access the quiz through the healthychildren.org website.

 

Author: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County

Reviewer: Dan Remley, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Ohio State University

Getting Vitamin N(ature) at Night

The night sky above a line of trees with the Milky Way clearly visible.

The health and wellness benefits of Vitamin N(ature) have been documented for over four decades. A quick summary shows that getting outside can:

  • Reduce your risk of chronic disease.
  • Improve your memory and focus.
  • Boost your creativity.
  • Help you heal.
  • Enhance your psychological well-being.
  • Strengthen your immune system.

Most people can personally describe how spending time outdoors and in nature makes them feel happier and healthier. But have you ever thought about getting Vitamin N at night?

In a world dominated by artificial light and screen time, the night has become something we often avoid or overlook. Yet, celebrating the night and embracing natural darkness offers profound health benefits.

Dr. Joe Blanda, a retired orthopedic surgeon, emphasizes that reconnecting with the night sky can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being. Historically, humans have had a deep connection to the cosmos. From ancient cave art to celestial navigation, the night sky has guided and inspired us. Today, however, excessive exposure to artificial light at night is harming human health. It disrupts our circadian rhythms which can lead to sleep disturbances, metabolic issues, and increased risks of conditions like obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and even cancer.

Natural darkness, on the other hand, helps restore balance. It allows our bodies to produce melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep and cellular repair. Spending time in the dark is a valuable source of Vitamin N. A recent study stated, “Feeling connected to nature [and the night sky] can give individuals a sense of purpose and meaning in life…[and] experiencing the beauty and wonder of the natural world can evoke positive emotions and a sense of awe, which can lead to increased overall happiness.”

To reap these health benefits, consider taking nighttime walks, stargazing, joining a full moon hike, or going camping where there is less light pollution. Explore your local parks to see if they have evening programs dedicated to bird migration, bats, meteor showers, fireflies, moths, owl prowls, salamander migration, or the night sky.

Another important consideration is advocating for darker environments around our homes and in our communities. Reducing artificial light supports not only human health but also the well-being of nocturnal wildlife. DarkSky International has helpful education resources about light pollution and easy solutions we can implement in our homes, at work, and in our communities.

Ultimately, celebrating the night is about more than just health— it is about reclaiming a part of our human experience that has been lost in the glow of modern life. By stepping outside and looking up, we reconnect with the rhythms of nature, restore our internal balance, and rediscover the beauty and healing power of the night.

To learn more about the powerful health and wellness benefits of nature, visit go.osu.edu/Nature-Matters.

Resources:
DarkSky International: https://darksky.org
DarkSky Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/DarkSkyOhio
Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion

Written by: Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Susan Zies, OSU Extension, Wood County, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator.

Less Trash, More Yum!

less trash more yum picture with stainable lunches and and and x on a bag of trash

As the school year begins, many families across the country return to the daily routine of packing lunches. But did you know that the average student generates 67 pounds of lunch packaging waste per school year? That’s nearly 19,000 pounds of trash for just one elementary school. Fortunately, packing a waste-free lunch is a simple and effective way to reduce environmental impact, save money, and promote healthier eating habits.

What Is a Waste-Free Lunch?

A waste-free lunch avoids disposable packaging and single-use items. Instead, it uses:

  • Reusable containers for food and drinks
  • Cloth napkins and stainless steel utensils
  • Whole fruits and bulk snacks portioned at home
  • Refillable water bottles

The goal is to eliminate trash that ends up in landfills and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food packaging and transportation.

Why It Matters

According to research from Penn State University, U.S. school cafeterias waste between 27% and 53% of the food they serve, with fruits and vegetables being the most frequently discarded items. Packing lunches at home allows families to choose foods children are more likely to eat, reducing food waste and promoting better nutrition. It also encourages portion control and healthy food choices.

Tips for Packing a Waste-Free Lunch

The Ohio State University Extension offers practical strategies for families:

  • Use reusable containers for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks
  • Avoid single-use plastics like baggies, juice boxes, and plastic utensils
  • Pack whole fruits instead of pre-packaged fruit cups
  • Include a cloth napkin and reusable cutlery
  • Buy in bulk and portion out servings at home

These small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Health and Academic Benefits

Packing a lunch at home also gives parents control over what their children eat, allowing them to include balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Children who receive nutritious meals are more likely to be food-secure, in good health, and perform better academically. Similarly, studies from the University of Washington found that healthy school meals can reduce childhood obesity and improve overall health outcomes.

Get Kids Involved

Children are more likely to eat what they help prepare. Let them choose their favorite fruits, veggies, and snacks, and teach them how to pack their lunch using reusable containers. This not only reduces waste but also empowers them to make healthy choices and learn sustainable habits.

Packing waste-free lunches is a slight change with significant benefits—for your child’s health, your wallet, and the planet. By making thoughtful choices and utilizing reusable items, families can reduce waste, enhance nutrition, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sources:

https://fcs.osu.edu/sites/fcs/files/imce/PDFs/Waste-Free_Lunches.pdf

Written by: Susan Zies, OSU Extension, Wood County, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator

Reviewed by: Laura Stanton, OSU Extension, Warren County, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator